JosephBeard

HUNTLEY - Joseph Beard, 78, died March 14, 2019, in his home in Huntley.Married for 53 years, he was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Ann Beard, nee Russell; loving father of Jean Beard (Kay), Tom (Penny), and Phil (Laura); and devoted grandfather of Tommy, Sydney and Henry. He was the fond brother of Jan Erickson (Rick), Judy Borden and Jill Young (Robert). He was uncle of many nieces and nephews.Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019, at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Huntley at 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019. Visitation at St. Mary's will be held in the Narthex at 9 a.m., preceding the Mass.Joseph was a proud graduate of Monmouth High School, Class of 1959. He earned his bachelor of arts from Northwestern University in 1963 and his MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 1976.Joseph enjoyed a distinguished career as a hospital administrator for over 20 years, during which time he liked to tell his friends and family that he was "in the business of caring."Joe and Betty enjoyed an active retirement together, during which time they traveled to Europe, spent happy times with their grandchildren and filled their days with hobbies.At the tender age of 68, Joe decided to try acting and joined the Theater Company of Sun City, appearing in "Mame." He was hooked immediately and went on to enjoy roles in "Meet Me In St. Louis" (Grandpa), "My Fair Lady" (Colonel Pickering) and many others. The one he enjoyed most was the title role in "Scrooge."Joe loved the theater company and the wonderful friendships he made while acting. He lived by the famed theater adage, "the show must go on," as he faced the limitations brought on by his illness.For further information, please call the funeral home at (847) 515-8772, or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorfuneral.com.

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